Empact’s IT technical team lead Danie du Preez shares his journey from working in nature to leading technical solutions, and how he balances innovation with practical business needs.
Technology was never part of Danie du Preez’s dream. If given the choice, he would have been content living in the wilderness, far from the demands of modern life.
Before stepping into IT, he worked as a junior ranger, assisted a geologist with fieldwork and even drove tractors on a farm. Sitting behind a desk or leading an IT team was never in his plans. Yet today, as the IT technical team lead at Empact Group, Danie finds himself at the heart of business operations, engaging with people daily and tackling a variety of technical and strategic challenges.
Since 2021, Danie has taken on a role that is anything but routine. Empact Group is a leading provider of catering, cleaning and integrated facilities management solutions in Southern Africa, which operates across diverse industries.
“There are so many moving parts, and I’ve realised I can’t be an expert in everything. That’s why I rely on the strengths of my colleagues and partners,” Danie explains.
His daily responsibilities include team management, risk mitigation, and ensuring both business and client needs are met. With Empact structured into three key divisions – Food by Empact, Supercare (covering hygiene, cleaning, and pest control), and Facilities Management by Empact – the IT team must develop solutions that seamlessly support them all.
“As a technical team, we have to make things work for everyone,” Danie says. “At times, it feels like I’m patching things together with chewing gum and elastic bands due to various constraints,” he adds with a laugh. But for him, the essence of the job is finding the right balance – juggling priorities while ensuring the business runs smoothly.
Navigating IT’s strategic role
Security, risk, compliance and enterprise architecture are key priorities, but successfully implementing these initiatives requires both funding and executive buy-in. Danie plays a crucial role in IT steerco, collaborating with decision-makers to drive compliance and strategy.
However, his leadership style is hands-on. “I’m part of the strategic conversations, but when needed, I’m more than happy to roll up my sleeves – whether it’s fixing access points, changing toner, or setting up PCs,” he says.
His team, though small, is agile and adaptable, always ready to step in where needed. “We bridge the gaps, but when we can’t, it’s my job to help the business understand our limitations and explore alternative solutions – ultimately striving to exceed both business and client expectations,” he explains.
Danie works closely with Dolf Smook, Empact’s head of technology solutions. While Dolf is passionate about cutting-edge tech, Danie is more focused on support and operational efficiency. “Dolf is the innovator, always pushing the boundaries. I’m more cautious. Between us, we strike a balance – it’s almost like a marriage, and I’m the handbrake!” he jokes.
Laying the foundation for innovation
While Danie and his team may not always initiate new ideas, they play a critical role in turning them into reality. By developing and supporting bespoke in-house applications, they have centralised data and provided clients with seamless access to critical information and reporting.
Previously, teams relied on spreadsheets for data tracking. Today, Empact’s custom-built applications consolidate data collection, giving clients and management real-time access to key insights. One of the standout innovations has been in the hygiene department. Previously, staff had to physically visit each site to check supply levels. Now, with IoT devices reporting to a central gateway, they have implemented a system that enables real-time monitoring and management.
This advancement allows teams to track individual soap dispensers and other resources from a central portal. Rather than making routine site visits, staff now respond only to areas flagged as low or critical – reducing time, costs, travel and product wastage.
Some of the insights from this system have been both surprising and amusing. “We discovered that men rarely use soap from dispensers but go through an excessive number of hand towels, whereas women consume significantly more soap!” Danie shares. While these findings have sparked some laughs, they have also contributed to enhancing health and safety measures in healthcare environments – something Empact takes very seriously.
Balancing work and life
The demands of IT can be relentless, and Danie makes a conscious effort to shift his attention from work to family. “Work-life balance doesn’t happen on its own – you have to work at it,” he says. “My family understands that sometimes I need to put in extra hours, and the company understands that sometimes I need a break.”
Beyond personal balance, Danie emphasises the importance of being part of a community that genuinely cares about him and his family’s wellbeing. “Having that support system makes all the difference,” he adds.
One of the most rewarding aspects of his job is seeing people grow into their roles. But he cautions that success isn’t instant – it takes consistency and perseverance. “I enjoy meaningful conversations. I’m not the guy who just makes small talk at a braai – I want to know what drives you, how you’ve solved problems, and what makes you tick.”
Advice for aspiring IT professionals
Danie’s advice for those starting out in the field is simple: “Seize every opportunity and give it your best. Even the smallest tasks matter – people are always watching. If someone asks for A and B, go above and beyond – deliver the whole alphabet. Always strive to exceed expectations, but avoid comparing yourself to others. In the end, effort, commitment, and dedication are what truly set you apart.”
He believes that success in IT isn’t just about technical skills – it’s about mindset. “Technology is constantly evolving, and those who stay adaptable, proactive, and willing to learn will always have an edge. The IT field isn’t just about solving problems – it’s about anticipating them before they arise.”
However, Danie also emphasises the importance of accountability. “Mistakes will happen – it’s inevitable. But when things go wrong, own them, learn from them and move forward. Integrity and continuous improvement are what define a true professional.”
